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Xanit Hospital Internacional is a modern private hospital located in the suburbs of Malaga, Spain. The hospital is modern (opened in 2005), and the staff include over 200 specialists in all medical specialties.

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Gastroenterology centers in Malaga (Page 1 of 1)

About ERCP

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

What is ERCP?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a medical procedure that combines x-rays and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy to treat diseases and disorders of the bile and pancreatic ducts.

What are the bile and pancreatic ducts?

Bile ducts are tubes which transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder and duodenum. Pancreatic ducts are tubes which transport pancreatic juice from the pancreas to the duodenum. Small pancreatic ducts join to a main pancreatic duct. The common bile duct and main pancreatic duct join and empty into the duodenum.

Why use ERCP?

ERCP is used to treat diseases and disorders of the bile and pancreatic ducts. If the doctor wants a diagnosis only, they usually opt for noninvasive tests such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). This is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that is safer and can also be used to diagnose various problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Conditions treated using ERCP include:

Infection

Gallstones stuck in the common bile duct

Acute and chronic pancreatitis

Pancreatic pseudocysts

Trauma of the bile or pancreatic ducts

Tumors or cancer of the pancreas

Tumors or cancer of the bile ducts

How is ERCP performed?

The procedure can be performed at an outpatient center or hospital. It usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours. A sedative is given through an intravenous needle which is placed in your arm. The sedative will keep you relaxed during the procedure. You will be given a liquid anesthetic to gargle or spray at the back of your throat. This numbs the throat and prevents gagging as the procedure is performed. In some cases, general anesthesia is used.

As you lie on the examination table the doctor feeds the endoscope carefully down your esophagus, through the stomach, and into the duodenum. A small camera at the endoscope’s end sends images to a monitor. The endoscope also pumps air into the duodenum and stomach making it easier to see.

The openings of the bile and pancreatic ducts into the duodenum are located. A catheter is then placed through the endoscope and into the ducts. A contrast medium is them injected into the ducts through the catheter to make the ducts visible on X-rays. The doctor then uses fluoroscopy (an x-ray imaging technique) to examine the ducts and find blockages or narrowed areas.

The doctor may pass tiny tools via the endoscope to:

Remove or break up stones

Open narrowed or blocked ducts

Perform a biopsy or remove tumors in the ducts

Insert stents to hold the ducts open

Risks : Infection of the gallbladder
Infection of the bile ducts
Pancreatitis
Hemorrhage
Tissue damage from exposure to x rays
Abnormal reaction to the sedative such as respiratory or cardiac problems
Perforation in the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts or in the duodenum
Death

After care : You can leave the outpatient center 1-2 hours after the procedure. In some cases, you may need to stay overnight at the hospital. A sore throat, bloating and nausea are expected after the procedure, but do not last for long. Once your swallowing has returned to normal you can resume your normal diet.